Cheney Free Press -

Early fall could bring dry conditions and fire danger to West Plains

Last week a lightning storm sparked numerous fires in the Cheney area that destroyed three buildings, including a home.

Spokane County Fire District 3 crews were able to put out the fires before they spread, but the danger of wildfire will be present on the West Plains for the weeks and months to come.

Fire District 3 Chief Bruce Holloway said late summer brings heat and dry conditions, but September and October often comes with high winds as weather patterns change. Those windy conditions can be a bigger threat, he said.

“Wind can really drive fires,” he said. “Most of the time those happen in September.”

For Fire District 3 crews stationed throughout southwest Spokane County, this is the time they train for. Firefighters train to handle wildfires most of the year, Holloway said.

“They train for 10 months for these two months of wild land activity.”

While crews can't predict when or where fires will start, Holloway said they were ready to handle whatever comes.